Kumar Reti testing

leebrewer

leebrewer

Joined
Apr 21, 2008
Messages
949
After tightening the edge up on my Reti from the very thin razor edge that it came with, I used it to finish the handle on a cane that is the root end of a Rock Maple tree I harvested a few years ago. The Reti edge is unphased and still sharp after 2 hours of hard carving ( mostly thumb pushing the blade for small accurate curls ). Yes, my hook knife is easier and better for these things. But, I've been playing with this Reti for a couple weeks and finally put it to use. No rolls or chips. I tested every part of the blade while carving. I also split some thick sap filled fat wood chunks with it. I think the edge feels better after carving then it did before I started. This is a great camp knife for fire and food prep. Also a fast deep cutter / poker for most monsters.

This one is 12" 5oz. Blade is 8".

After unpacking the knife, I scrubbed it with Dawn. I do this with all HI blades I receive. I filed and sanded the corner points on the handle base. Oiled the wood. Cleaned up the edge with ceramic stones and few strokes on a strop with green compound. Then, Polish and Ren wax the entire knife. I'll make a simple leather sheath. The Reti sheath is very loose for the knife, it gets a coating of Sno Seal, then goes in the foot locker.
 

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I've got a reti I just picked up not long ago. No kidding about the sheath, comes out like a rocket after the very little retention is broken. No use so far but have taken it in and out of sheath 1,000 times, just like looking at it. I can't decide if I should take it in the woods or keep it at home for looks/food prep. Mine carries pretty good in my left pocket with belt thru loop even being 14.5" OAL..Decently slim package with no kard or chak bulk. Curvature keeps it close to body for me. No one even knows, but not fun to squat or hop over things ha.
 
Retis are amazing blades. The 18in and 12in versions I own are both razor blades. Very fast and efficient fighting machines.
 
I believe all Retis are made from files.
Who knows maybe Reti is even the Nepali word for file?
 
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I agree, the Retis are repurposed files in a lovely form.
I been on the prowl for one myself, thought I wanted a longer version but now I'm wondering if a shorter version might make more sense. Actually sense really don't enter the equation.
Man should have a long one and a short one. Options don't cha know?
 
Ok that does it. I gotta have one now. That Mr. Tall is one smart cookie. What's the Nepalese word for research genius?

It if comes back Steve Tall I'm gonna laugh till new years.
 
Mighty nice khuk you got there man!! Reti is nearing the top of my list. Almost snagged the one yesterday but that KK was calling me and I couldn't do both. Maybe in a week or two. There's been a lotta Retis posted lately, and I feel like I should grab one while they're around.

I'm with Bawanna on the DOD.
 
gurkha berserka said:
Retis are amazing blades. The 18in and 12in versions I own are both razor blades. Very fast and efficient fighting machines.
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Yep! They are!

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Definitely one of my favorites. They are great carvers. Nice job on that stick! They make excellent draw knives too.

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Wish I could carry this knife legally. I have a feeling it would be in the car with me, under my trench coat, and many other places as well. Great post! Great knife:thumbup:
 
Are truck leaf springs (the regular khukuris) made of the same type of steel as files (the reti)? If not then what kind of differences would be expected?
 
khukoo head said:
Are truck leaf springs (the regular khukuris) made of the same type of steel as files (the reti)? If not then what kind of differences would be expected?
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The Khukuri are usually made from 5160 spring steel. Files are usually made out of some type of carbon steel. The way the kamis work the steel, usually no one will really notice a difference....beyond what ndog has already noticed, that the reti knives are often a little harder.
 
khukoo head said:
Are truck leaf springs (the regular khukuris) made of the same type of steel as files (the reti)? If not then what kind of differences would be expected?
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I'm just cutting and pasting for a reference point. Their are many more knowledgeable than myself, especially members like Bookie who works with metals everyday and I'm sure there others.

W-2
Reasonably tough and holds an edge well, due to its .2% vanadium content. Most files are made from W-1, which is the same as W-2 except for the vanadium content (W-1 has no vanadium).

5160
A steel popular with forgers, it is popular now for a variety of knife styles, but usually bigger blades that need more toughness. It is essentially a simple spring steel with chromium added for hardenability. It has good wear resistance, but is known especially for its outstanding toughness. This steel performs well over a wide range of hardnesses, showing great toughness when hardened in the low 50s Rc for swords, and hardened up near the 60s for knives needing more edge holding.
 
This post from Uncle Bill confirms that the word "reti" means file. It also confirms that there are some Bura Retis out there somewhere (at least 12 or so). Below is a photo of one of them:

Bill Martino said:
...
Bura has saved the old files and recently got them converted to what he calls the Bura "Reti" (file) khukuri. It's about 16 inches and weighs only 11 ounces -- fastest khukuri in the world. Excellently done, exceeds all HI specs. About 1 inch wide and 1/4 inch thick. I love these knives.

As you can see above file hatchmarks clearly visible. All have horn handle with kobra style buttcap.

Material cost is not high, shipping not expensive due to light weight, so Pala said sell these for $49.95 + $5 shipping for total of $54.95. Send $55 and I'll include a nickle rebate to make things easy. Pala does not have to deal with the nitty gritty like I do.

Call or email. I have about a dozen.
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reti_overall.jpg

Photo from Steve Ferguson
 
Great pix and post,thank you
 
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